A Fire Rescue Victoria spokesperson said FRV responded to the incident at the Hawdon St school at 12.03pm after a fire indicator panel was activated.
“Firefighters arrived on scene within five minutes and extinguished three small fires,” the spokesperson said.
“Firefighters ensured the scene was made safe and the incident was deemed under control at 12.14pm.”
A Victorian Department of Education spokesperson said the fires started in “toilet blocks” at the school and that GSSC would be investigating the incident.
The secondary college put out a message via the Compass Education app, a school management system, just after noon when the fires started, advising parents and guardians that the school was in lockdown and that police were on site.
It was almost an hour later when an ‘all clear’ message alerted parents and guardians that classes had resumed.
A further message later in the afternoon attempted to quell social media rumours.
“This message is to clarify and alleviate any ongoing concern for the community,” it read.
“A small fire has been contained, and the fire brigade has given clearance for normal activities to recommence.”
The building in which the fires occurred, one of the school’s three ‘neighbourhoods’, was evacuated, while the other two neighbourhoods and unaffected buildings were placed in lockdown.
The Compass message said the lockdown was to “minimise movements and to ensure the safety of all students and staff”.
“Students were safe at all times throughout these proceedings.”
According to the Victorian Department of Education, there was minimal damage caused by the fires and no students or staff were injured.
Shepparton police were unable to provide further information on Wednesday afternoon.
22°C